The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest interactive‑gaming powerhouses – Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games – who will sit alongside a line‑up that already features heavyweight executives from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a range of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells.
Their conversation is expected to delve into how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging digital formats, as well as the strategic considerations that come with managing multi‑platform storytelling. Another key session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will speak on a panel dedicated to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining traction in Western markets, the challenges of localization, and the strategic partnerships that enable these titles to cross cultural boundaries successfully. The summit’s keynote roster includes several high‑profile figures: Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely discuss the streaming giant’s approach to original programming and its interplay with gaming content; Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, who will offer insights into the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media; Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, expected to share perspectives on the studio’s integration of interactive experiences with its film and television pipelines; and David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, who will address the monetisation of digital comics and their potential crossover into other media formats.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the event will feature a broad array of panelists and contributors from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and other influential companies. Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, providing a comprehensive view of the entertainment landscape from both the interactive and linear media sides.
Talent agencies will also have a strong presence, with representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency attending. Their participation underscores the importance of talent management and representation in an era where creators often work across multiple mediums, from video games to streaming series and live events. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 % discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate is intended to encourage industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain first‑hand insight into the strategic shifts shaping the future of entertainment. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and emerging technologies. By bringing together senior leaders from both the interactive and traditional media sectors, the event aims to foster dialogue that will help define the next generation of entertainment experiences, business models, and cultural trends.